AuthorsNote: Thank you for waiting everyone. I made this chapter extra long so you all wouldn't have to wait as long for the good stuff. Enjoy!
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Daisuke immediately went up to his room when he got home to talk with Dark. He had been waiting all day to hear what Dark knew about the Dark Wings.
"Ok Dark…what do you know?"
(Well there was what Satoshi told you…and I know that every time Krad and I return it calls upon all of the life within the Hikari art pieces. Including Krad and I; that will be the time I can find it.)
"What about forcing yourself and Krad back into it?"
(I believe it will be a spell; and I will have to recite it and if I go…Krad goes.) Dark guessed.
"So what we just go…and hope for the best?" Daisuke asked.
(I'd think you should go and talk to Daichii about all of this first.)
"Yeah I suppose I should…maybe he knows something." Daisuke stood up and went downstairs to talk with his grandfather.
"Grandpa?" Daisuke asked.
"Yes Daisuke?" He was sitting in the kitchen with a cup of hot tea.
"Do you know anything about…the…Black Wings?" Daichii nearly dropped his cup the moment the word left Daisuke's mouth.
"Where did you hear about the Black Wings?" His grandfather questioned.
"Sato…H…Hiwatari told me…then Dark explained what he knew; and he suggested I talk to you." Daisuke explained.
"The Black Wings were going to be the Hikari family's greatest work of art; it was going to be their first piece to have an actual life. Our family heard of this and being a family of art thieves knew that the ceremony had to be stopped. They interrupted the ceremony and Dark and Krad were born."
"Dark and Krad are the life of the Black Wings."
"yes; so they have a unique connection to that art piece specifically. Over 40 years ago when Dark resided within me; there were some strange occurrences at one point. Dark and I had to stop it; so we had to find the Black Wings and seal it to keep the disasters from completely destroying our city."
"What kind of Disasters?" Daisuke interrupted suddenly.
"A number of things…the water level dropped; the sky became dark and clouded, there were frequent earthquakes. We were able to seal the piece of art before things got any worse; but it seems to occur every time Dark and Krad are in the world again."
"So anytime… the disasters will begin again…and to stop it Dark and I have to find the Black Wings and seal it." Daisuke repeated to make sure he was understanding it correctly; his grandfather nodded. "So…is there a way to…bring Dark and Krad together and seal the Black Wings forever?"
Daichii thought on it for a moment; not sure how to answer his grandson. " There must be a way…and only Dark and Krad know."
"So do you know where it is?"
He shook his head. "I don't have much of a memory of the Black Wings…and where it is, I don't know."
"Alright."
"Your not thinking about going out to seal it are you?" He asked.
"…Not just seal it; but reunite Krad and Dark again in their true form."
Satoshi picked the lock to his stepfather's office; if there was anything he had learned from Daisuke it was how to pick a lock. He pushed the door open and examined the room; making sure there were no security devices. He stepped in and closed the door behind him; Satoshi's stepfather had been out of town for a few weeks, making it even easier for him to access the information that he needed. He walked over to the desk and logged onto the computer and began his search. If his stepfather had any information it would be in the files of his precious computer.
(What do you think your doing Satoshi?) Krad asked lazily.
"Researching." Satoshi replied.
(Researching what?)
"Information on the Black Wings…it's a school project. We have to look up information on…a local legend." The young commander lied. "So shut up and let me work."
(…No one knows about the Black Wings…how are you going to prove that it even exists?)
"Well that's one of my challenges isn't it?" He went into the computer files and began to search; his stepfather wasn't the most organized of people, which made it all too easy to find what he needed. Sure enough he found the file he needed with no problem at all. So…it's hidden…in the museum."
Satoshi's cell phone began to ring; he took it out of his pocket and answered.
"Hiwatari speaking."
"Satoshi it's Daisuke; look my grandpa told me some very important things about…"
Daisuke was interrupted. "Yes what are they?" He asked eagerly. Daisuke explained the changes in the weather and that the Black Wings must be sealed every 40 years to keep the disasters from wrecking the town. He also said that Dark and Krad were the only ones who could successfully seal the artwork; and they both would be needed to complete it. " Alright; I think I may have located it as well. I believe it's in the closest art museum. My stepfather isn't the best at hiding information on his computer."
"That's great…so when did you want to do this?" Daisuke asked; Satoshi glanced at his watch it was 7:00pm.
"…Tonight."
"..Tonight? Satoshi I'm not sure about that…" Daisuke exclaimed in surprise.
"…Daisuke please…I want Krad gone…" He waited for a reply. "You don't know what he has done to me…"
"But it just seems so soon; are you sure we can pull it off?"
"I'm positive."
"Alright…I'll meet you at the museum in…an hour?"
"Sounds good, I'll see you there Daisuke."
"Be careful Satoshi." Satoshi hung up his phone and placed it back in his pocket.
(Your not going to pull this off Satoshi…I will stop you from getting there.) Krad threatened.
"You can try all you want…I refuse to put up with your torture any longer." Satoshi said as he stood and made his way out of the room.
(It's just so much more pleasurable seeing you in pain that I inflict.)
"That is exactly why I want you gone and out of my body!" He clenched his fists in anger. "Your leaving tonight Krad."
(Not if I have anything to do about it!) Satoshi stopped; he could feel the angel forcing himself into the control of his body. He felt the familiar pain rising in his chest; he leaned against the wall for support.
"NO Krad! I'm not going to let you ruin this!" He closed his eyes using every bit of energy he had to keep his control of his body. "I've fought you like this before I can do it again!" The pain lessened; and Satoshi let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. It used a lot of energy for Krad to force himself into control, and it appeared he had tried too hard. I have to get there as quickly as possible; Krad won't wait long to try again. Satoshi got out of the building as quickly as he could, and went on his way to meet Daisuke.
Daisuke waited for Satoshi to show up; he had made it there early so he would have time to speak with Dark about their plans. When he left the house he hadn't told his mother or grandfather where he was going; just that he was going out, he didn't want or need them worrying about him. However he had an idea what his grandfather understood what it was he was going to do; when Emiko had begun to ask questions Daichii simply told his daughter to let Daisuke go.
(I think Hiwatari was right…I can…feel the Black Wings presence here.) Dark mused.
"How come you never felt it before?" Daisuke asked.
(I'm not sure…maybe it's growing near to the time when we have to seal it.)
"That could be." Daisuke agreed. "I hope he gets here soon." He looked around hoping to spot the bluenette.
(You're going to want to be very cautious Daisuke…it's possible that it may be Krad in disguise again and in your condition you shouldn't be doing a lot of running around.)
"I'm fine Dark…it's almost completely healed. I heal faster with you in me remember?"
(Yes I do…just be careful; if I tell you to transform you do it no questions asked ok?)
"Yes I will." Daisuke was silent a moment before speaking up again. "…How are you going to force Krad back into the Black Wings?"
(I believe I have to use a different seal from the one I've used before…More things come to mind the closer I get to the actual work of art. )
"…It's not possible to just trap Krad in the Black Wings is it?" Daisuke asked
(I don't think so…)
"I don't want you to go Dark." Daisuke admitted sadly. "But I also don't want Satoshi to suffer anymore."
(Don't forget that Krad is trying to kill you.) Dark added.
"Yes but that's not what I am concerned about."
(Daisuke its ok…I have lived longer than a single lifetime…I think it is for the best.)
"…I…suppose…" He looked down at the ground.
(Remember what I said; keep aware.) Daisuke nodded and looked up in time to spot Satoshi approaching. He appeared worn out and slightly more pale than usual; his immediate thought was Krad.
"Satoshi…are you ok?" He asked in concern when he got closer.
"Yes I'm fine…Krad was being difficult." He panted; it was apparent he had ran the whole way there. "You ready?"
"Yes…" Satoshi got out a keycard and swiped it through the security panel; then typed in a quick code that opened the door. The went in and Satoshi led him through the winding halls of the art museum. He stopped suddenly clutching his chest; he began to loose his balance when he reached out to support himself. Daisuke grabbed him allowing Satoshi to lean his weight on him.
"Satoshi are you alright?" He asked in concern.
"…Krad…" He hissed through clenched teeth; after a moment he relaxed and opened his eyes. "Sorry." He stood on his own again. "We need to hurry…Krad is getting closer to taking over every time." Satoshi took Daisuke's hand in his and nearly dragged him to the area they needed to go. It was in the back in one of the security areas.
"Now…there should be a doorway or something around here." Satoshi explained looking around. Daisuke examined the room; there were a lot of items around but no doors.
"Is it hidden?"
"I don't know…"
(Daisuke…go near that file cabinet.) Daisuke obeyed and looked over the file cabinet; it was pushed against the wall of the small room.
"Hey Satoshi…Dark thinks it may be behind here." Satoshi went over to him and looked over the large file cabinet. It was big enough to hide a door behind; their only problem would be moving the item, there was no doubt it would be heavy. He grabbed on of the corners and Daisuke did the same on the other side; then both pulled; managing to move the heavy object. Sure enough behind it was a door.
"Wow…Dark was right…"
(What is that supposed to mean?)
"Dark!" Daisuke hushed. "we don't have time for that." Satoshi put his hand over it and pushed, the door didn't budge. Before Daisuke could stop him Satoshi slammed his full weight into the door, it gave way but he didn't count on the staircase right below. Satoshi fell forward; Daisuke didn't have an opportunity to grab him, Satoshi hit the stairs and continued down.
"Satoshi!" Daisuke bolted down the steps he found Satoshi at the bottom; he was sitting up so that was a good sign. "Are you alright?" Satoshi looked a little beat up but he gave a weak smile.
"Y…Yeah…just a little bruised." Daisuke kneeled down to check him over. "Daisuke please…there isn't anytime." He slowly stood up; wincing as he did.
"But…" Satoshi held up his hand to silence him; he was staring at something. Daisuke followed his gaze. In front of them was what appeared to be a large torn curtain with chains wrapped around it. It appeared to be suspended in mid air. "Is that?"
"It is…The Black Wings…"
(Very nice Satoshi…now it's time that I took over!) Satoshi fell to his knees; there was no stopping him Krad was taking over. He shut his eyes tightly and clutched his sides as the pain in his back intensified. The white angelic wings sprouted form the boy's back.
(Daisuke change into me now!) Daisuke didn't hesitate he thought of an image of Satoshi and sure enough Dark took over. Krad got up from the ground; expecting to see a frightened Daisuke, instead there was Dark smirking at him.
"You just don't give up do you?"
"Not until you and the Niwa are dead." He held up a brilliant white feather.
"Your not touching him ever again Krad." Dark held up his own ebony black feather. He was unsure of what he was going to do; Wyth was not with them, and he didn't want to hurt Daisuke by bringing out his own wings. Krad threw his feather at Dark; he tried dodging it but it grazed his shoulder. There was no way he could fight properly without his wings. Dark closed his eyes and summoned his long dormant black wings. He himself felt the forgotten pain of the tearing flesh as the wings spread out; Dark immediately took flight, Krad wasn't far behind him.
"Give up thief!" He shouted at Dark.
"Not a chance!" He flew around the massive sheet covered in chains; Krad following behind him throwing various spells and feathers at him. Dark knew there wasn't much time he had to act fast; he flew upwards then turned and came back down directly towards Krad. The angel had no time to move out of the way; Dark shoved Krad back and into the mass of chains, tangling him up. He struggled to get free but it seemed as if he were being held back by some force. Dark hovered a few feet away directly in front of the white angel, holding onto one of his black feathers. Quietly he began to recite the seal; only he had no idea where the words were coming from exactly it all seemed to just be coming from his mouth.. Dark's voice grew louder the closer he came to completing the seal.
"DARK!" Krad snarled trying desperately to get free; suddenly the sheet disappeared revealing at last The Black Wings. A magnificent yet haunting sculpture created by the Hikari family; Satoshi's ancestors. It appeared to be made entirely of bones; a demonic skull hung at the top only it somewhat split in half, the neck led down to the backbone and the ribcage. It had no arms; just the collar bone and a huge sword stuck diagonally starting at the left arm socket and protruding through the ribcage on the right. The spiky back bone led down to the hips which were not bone but appeared to be covered in a skin like substance. There was a single leg; the left and went downward to a sharp point, it levitated on this area. Lastly there were the wings extending from the back. Massive black wings that reached all the way to the floor. The chains disappeared and Krad was able to move; he wasted no time in going after Dark.
Daisuke awoke in a strange place; it seemed like a huge space but he could barely see beyond a few feet. Everything around him was white; a blinding light seemed to be coming from everywhere. Slowly he sat up looking around confused.
"Daisuke." He looked to the right and found Satoshi kneeling close by.
"…Satoshi…where are we?" Daisuke asked; hoping he knew the answer.
"I'm not entirely sure…I think it may have to do with Krad and Dark being so close to the black wings." He winced slightly.
"Hey you ok?"
"It's been happening a lot…I think I can feel Krad's pain." Daisuke suddenly cried out and clutched his side.
"I can feel it too!"
Satoshi sat and put an arm around Daisuke. "It will pass…"
"So…why do you suppose you and I came here?" Daisuke asked after a few silent minutes.
"I imagine…they are being drawn together; this was the place of their birth and they are actually one. Being nearby the Black Wings must trigger that and so they are practically the same person once more." He assumed.
"Ouch!" Daisuke clutched his arm. "I don't think Dark is doing too…OW…too well…"
"Hm…hold on…" Satoshi closed his eyes concentrating as much as he could; hit mind seemed to drift into Krad's consciousness. "That's enough Krad!" The angle actually paused a moment; Satoshi forced him to remain still as long as he could. That was what Dark needed; he flew down directly towards Krad and grabbing onto his shoulders pushed him back and into the Black Wings; the creation enveloped them both.
Dark and Krad found themselves in a darkened area; there was no light that shone anywhere. They were actually inside the Black Wings; it had no life so the inside was dead.
Satoshi opened his eyes he found himself panting and he had worked up a sweat; Daisuke was staring at him concernedly.
"What…happened?" He asked the redhead.
"You closed you eyes and went off into this sort of daze…you looked like you were really struggling."
"I was keeping…Krad from…moving…" He blinked a few times and realized…they were no longer in that white area; they were on the floor the Black Wings in front of them. "Wait…what happened?"
"I'm not sure…I think when Krad and Dark…are…oh no!" Daisuke cried.
"…It couldn't have been that easy…plus the Black Wings haven't been sealed."
"I thought Dark already sealed it…"
"No…I think what he did was open it…so they could reunite with the Black Wings. The seal is what keeps them inside." Satoshi guessed.
"So...is it possible to trap only one in there?" Daisuke asked; Satoshi looked at him.
"It may be possible." Immeidiatly Daisuke ran up to the Black Wings and began shouting at Dark.
"Dark if you can hear me get out! We can seal Krad inside." Daisuke was unsure if he could hear him; he hoped he would. However he was unsure what would happen to Dark if he wasn't sealed within the Hikari creation; would he just go back into his body and be forced to live with Dark for the rest of his life? At that moment he didn't care; he just wanted Dark back. Satoshi ran up to Daisuke and joined him in trying to reach the thief inside.
Dark and Krad hovered in the air glaring at one another; there were two ways out, getting out of the void of the Black Wings or reuniting with it. Krad was intent on getting out; he tried to fly past Dark but the thief was in front of him at every movement.
"This will never work Dark…the Black Wings still must be sealed…and you have to do that from the outside…and I doubt that little Niwa knows the ritual." Krad sneered.
"He's done it at least a million times, I'm sure he can handle it on his own." Dark and Krad suddenly heard Daisuke's voice calling out to Dark to get out.
"You think your getting out your wrong thief…" Krad flew towards Dark and grabbed onto him. "If I'm staying then you are staying."
"Not a chance!" He kicked him in the stomach; Krad clenched his eyes shut in pain as he doubled over. Dark summoned a mass of feathers to bind Krad to that spot, they would only work for a limited time.
"Daisuke!" Dark called out. "If you can hear me use the seal now! I can't keep Krad in here for long!" Just as he said it the supposed angel broke free from the bind of feathers and started coming after Dark.
Daisuke heard Dark's reply; only he was unsure if he should obey. There was chance they could save Dark from his terrible fate.
"Daisuke…we have to do it now…there may not be any time." Satoshi coaxed him. Daisuke hesitated for a moment then nodded. He brought out the single feather he had of Dark's and held it out in front of him just like the many times Dark had done. He had seen and heard him seal so many artworks it was seared into his memory of what to do. He recited the spell with tears welling up in his eyes. This can't be goodbye Dark. Satoshi stood nearby watching carefully; quietly he was saying the seal himself, he had heard Dark use it before and since then he had always remembered it.
Krad wasn't letting go; Dark was trying to make it out of the dark void towards Daisuke's voice. The black feather began to glow; signaling that the seal was working. The voice was growing fainter Dark could feel it getting further away. Tears ran down Daisuke's cheeks as he paused before saying the last syllable. …This can't be goodbye…He opened his mouth to say the last word; Dark appeared clutching onto the ribcage of the Black Wings, the void was trying to pull him in as well as Krad. He pulled himself out and he hit the ground. Daisuke quickly said he last syllable, Krad's upper half suddenly came through the void; he was smiling crazily. Dark's feather emitted the magical spell; sealing off the Black Wings. Krad's eyes widened as it began to pull him back inside itself.
"NO NO! DAAARK!" His voice echoed throughout the room; the Black Wings hallow eye sockets glowed a haunting red briefly as it finally gained the life it was supposed to be given years before. Then it faded and the thing remained still. The life had been sealed within it like all the other Hikari works of art.
"Dark!" Daisuke ran over to him, he couldn't believe they had actually succeeded. Krad was gone and now it appeared that Dark was his own person at last.
"Daisuke!" He sat up looking at his former tamer. "…I'm…me…" He looked at himself in awe. Daisuke hugged him warmly.
"I thought I wouldn't see you again!"
Dark smiled. "Well I'm here." Satoshi stood in the shadows; leaning against the wall his arms folded across his chest and a small smile could be seen. There was no describing what he felt knowing that Krad was gone from his body forever; he felt a freedom he had never known. He could actually enjoy the scene before him between Dark and Daisuke. They had such a close relationship; they were practically like brothers, unlike what he had with Krad, the master and the slave.
Daisuke let go of Dark and looked over to Satoshi; wiping the tears from his eyes and smiled. "We did it Satoshi."
"Yes we did." He walked over to the two and held out his hand to help Daisuke stand. Dark got up and dusted himself off.
"We should be getting back Daisuke…Emiko may be getting worried."
"…oh right…But what do we do about that." Daisuke pointed to the Black Wings.
"Just leave it here I imagine."
"Or tell somebody about it…have it displayed." Satoshi suggested.
"Maybe we should see what mom and Grandpa say…"
"Yeah I guess so." Dark began to walk out of the room; Dark and Satoshi were close behind. They got back into the security office and moved the cabinet back in front of the door. The found their way through the museum to the outside; they had no idea what time it was, but the sky was dark and the stars were out. Daisuke and Satoshi stopped and looked up at the sky, Dark continued walking but stopped and looked back, he smiled at the two.
"Dark…how about you go ahead…we'll catch up."
He nodded and went on his way saying more to himself than Daisuke. "I get it…you want some actual alone time." He smiled; Emiko's little Daisuke was growing up. The two boys stood there in silence for a few minutes until Satoshi spoke up.
"I have…such a different perception of things now." He announced.
"Is that good?"
"It's great, I can finally appreciate and love what I have…without the worry of loosing it to the hands of Krad." Satoshi looked over at Daisuke and smiled. "I can finally have what I've always wanted." He took a step towards Daisuke and reached up to touch his cheek. The redhead blushed slightly and leaned in closer; they were only an inch away. Satoshi, while closing his eyes, closed the gap between them by placing his lips on Daisuke's. Immediately the red head wrapped his arms around Satoshi's neck; returning the kiss passionately. Satoshi pulled away and looked into Daisuke's eyes.
"Satoshi?" Daisuke whispered.
"Yes?" Satoshi asked.
"Would you like to come to my house for tonight?" He asked hopefully.
"I'd love to." He gave him another quick kiss. Daisuke rested his head on Satoshi's chest; Satoshi put his arms around him and held him there for awhile. They could for once just enjoy being in each other's company; just the two of them for the first time.
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Authors Note: DON'T PANIC THIS IS NOT THE END! just wanted to verify that because this does seem like an ending. However I beleive the next chapter will be the last one...sadly...this story has reached it's end. So look forward to the next and final chapter I should be posting it sometime next week!